The Most Delectable Soul Food in Newark

Chef Smelly's

★★★★☆ 3.8 (608) • $$$

"I had heard of Chef Smelly but, did not get a chance to try his food until a friend of mine was coming from out of town and I decided to take her there. The food, service and ambience were all excellent! We both had fried fish combos and it was cooked perfectly. The wait staff were very professional and on top of it. I did note that they closed at 9 and we did not get there until after 8 so, we were still eating after they were trying to close. They were gracious and patient and never said anything that made us feel rushed, although, they did start putting chairs up on vacated tables while guests still ate. That made me try to hurry up. I left my sweater in the restaurant and the hostess ran after me (I was a block away) to give it to me. The great attitudes and service were exceptional!"

Touch of Soul

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (743) • $$

"I have been enjoying Touch of Soul for several years, at the former San Pablo location. I finally made it to Touch of Soul at the new(ish) location on Adeline in Emeryville. It was excellent! The food was spot on with all dishes cooked with aplomb. It seemed better than ever. Had the 1/2 fried chicken and it is always sooo good. They do not rely on the batter to make it tasty as too many others do. Their chicken is battened perfectly but it is not the only gem. Skin is always super crispy and the meat cooked to perfection. Big flavor, juicy meat, and really not greasy. My sides were the mac, brussel sprouts and dressing with gravy. Last night the dressing was the stand out. They make it with noticeable sweetness which is the best match with their rich and savory gravy. My only issue with TOS (a personal pet peeve) is they never returned to real plates and actual silverware. All you can get even for dine-in are plastic utensils. However This is meaningless when the food is just that dam goodTOS has always been a delightful group of people and that continues to be the case. They are always so kind and welcoming. I will go eat at places where staff treats me like crap if the food is real good. But at TOS this is never an issue. Just wonderful to eat outstanding fare while feeling like you are with family. (Well, at least with the parts of the family that are chilI, not the ones that are all fucked up and crazy.)TOS FTW!!"

Island Taste Caribbean Grill

★★★★★ 4.6 (303) • $$

"Service was great food was tasty!!! I'll def return! I can't find the pics I took but when I come across or return I'll be sure to post them!"

Stay Gold Deli

★★★★☆ 3.8 (325) • $$

"I am always looking for a new barbecue place to try and was happy to run across Stay Gold here on Yelp. Located on a corner, the inside is roommate with both tables and some bar seating. The patio outback has plenty of picnic tables to spread out and enjoy the fresh air.There is an extensive menu, making it difficult decision what to choose first. I figured starting with the basics was a good way to go and order the beef brisket sandwich with a side of beans. The food arrived promptly and I must say, the sandwich was enormous with plenty of meat and a good mix of coleslaw and pickles. The pimento cheese was a nice addition. The bread roll held up very well, keeping everything together until the last bite. The beans had a good flavor, with just a slight bit of spice. I wish there were more beans in the mix, but overall it delivered on flavor.Working that day was Darren, showing positive vibes, enthusiastic service, and some good looks. Stay Gold also has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as bottles and cans; certainly enough options for most to enjoy a cold drink with their meal. Stay Gold is definitely worth a repeat to explore other items on the menu."

Sistas Soul Food Kafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (261) • $$

"Feels like home when you go there. Love the catfish, greens and sweet green beans/potatoes. Very nice family business."

Chick & Tea - Sunnyvale

★★★★☆ 3.7 (261) • $$

"Taiwanese bento boxes are what I wanted and they delivered via order operated vehicles that ask if you're dining in house or Togo. It was so good and everything we wanted from a fast casual Taiwanese spot that covered all the bases"

Family House of Fish and Poultry

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (280) • $$

"I was craving fish so bad today and my husband reminded me that hofap is now on doordash..that was an immediate yes for me and for us. I've eaten at this establishment on and off for many years and just like many years ago as of today the food is and always will be A-1. Fish crispy hot and fresh and so was the fries. This is my second time around with DoorDash and it will not be my last."

Scend's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (179) • $$

"For years, I passed this location up and I've always wanted to stop and give them a try. in February my husband and I stopped by and I ordered the fried chicken wing meal with a side of red beans and rice and collards. My husband went with the oxtails over rice and gravy. My honest opinion is that the food lacked salt and seasoning, and I am someone who does not add a lot of salt to my food. The chicken and snapper were cooked to perfection as were the oxtails, but they needed a little bit of salt. I have the same opinion for the sides. Everything is made with love by the hands of hard-working people and I recommend you come and give it a try and form your own opinion."

Y’S Choice

★★★★☆ 4.1 (161)

"I've been going to y for over a few years and everything she cooks is from the heart !!! Home made fresh cooking !! Support your local owned woman business!!! EVERYTHING is a hit !!"

Big Momma's Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (99) • $$

"This southern soul food spot on a corner of International Boulevard is hot, new, and definitely worth trying. If the exterior painting and design don't grab your attention, just wait until you get inside. With all of the tables away due to shelter in place, you have a better view of the walls (pictures attached) that show celebrities from Oakland. In addition to the cool vibe, the food was delicious and hit the spot. I had the chicken and shrimp combo, which is just enough for two people when you take into account the sides. Make sure to add their lemon and hot sauces to the chicken; it's basically a palette waiting for these sauces to bring it to life. I'm sure you'll find a combination that you enjoy.I recommend eating it fresh, because some of the sides (like the fries) can get a bit cold if you don't eat them right away. Overall it was a very satisfactory meal at a reasonable price (around $25), so I'll definitely return.Bonus: if you're nice you might get some Kool-Aid on the house!"

Bojax Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.6 (46) • $$

"First of all, this is a black owned business so already I am enthused to show my support and love on a service that provides positive representation for minorities and caters to its community at the same time. Secondly, for it to be a one man show, the owner and operator of this restaurant does a pretty damn good job of taking and making orders all on his own. Both online and in person. He makes phenomenal oxtails. I got chicken wings this time and loved them. Unfortunately I do not like the fact that he doesn't have regular plain cornbread because I prefer mine without the jalopeños, however the chicken and macaroni are always very tasty. You can eat inside the dining area if you wish, but I chose to go eat in the car so I could be as messy as I wanted with a little privacy. I tore my plate down as quickly as I got it so there were no leftovers but I'm not upset. I was full and happy."

523southernhalal Bbq

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (14)

"Met this food vendor at the roots black entrepreneur fair today in Sobrante Park. And oh my goodness, thee BEST $25 I spent on a 2 way combo for halal BBQ. I just ate 1/4 of my plate and I am already FULL. It's soooo good! Literally I have enough on this plate to last me for dinner and my work lunch tomorrow. Thank you sooo much! Definitely satisfied my BBQ craving"

California Soul Food

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"Really liked the salads, rice bowl, fried chicken & bistek. May want to request light salt with the beans."

Lois the Pie Queen

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"My wife and I went for a late breakfast today. Great! The food was great, the people were friendly, and it does have a good feeling of having been around for a while. I will go back, for sure. Among many things, love that they serve grits."